# Lodestone

Lodestones are special rocks that can attract iron objects like magic! People have used them for centuries to help with navigation and in making compasses.

- **Category:** [Mineral](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mineral)
- **Rarity:** Rare
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Also known as:** Magnetic Iron Ore

![Lodestone](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Magnetite_Lodestone.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Ryan Somma, CC BY-SA 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Magnetite_Lodestone.jpg)

## Appearance

The Lodestone is a dark, heavy rock, typically dull black or brownish-black with a submetallic luster. It often forms irregular masses or octahedral crystals. Its rough surfaces sometimes have tiny specks of iron clinging to them, a unique visual feature.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia

## Interesting facts

- Ancient people thought lodestones were alive because they could move things!
- Lightning strikes can turn regular iron-rich rocks into natural lodestones!
- The first compasses were simply a floating piece of this amazing rock!
- The word 'magnet' comes from ancient Magnesia, where lodestone was found!

## Special abilities

- **Magnetic Pull:** Lodestone has natural magnetism that lets it attract iron and steel, making it Earth's original magnet.
- **North Seeker:** Lodestone has a stable magnetic field with distinct poles, allowing it to align with Earth's magnetic north.
- **Magnet Maker:** Lodestone can transfer its magnetism to iron objects, creating new temporary magnets.

## Measurements & details

- **Color Range:** black, brownish-black
- **Hardness:** 6
- **Luster:** metallic to submetallic
- **Specific Gravity:** 5.18
- **Crystal System:** isometric

## Traits

- [Ancient](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ancient): Ancient refers to organisms, objects, or geological formations that have existed for an extremely long period.
- [Magnetic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/magnetic): Magnetic geological traits refer to minerals or rocks that exhibit natural magnetism, attracting or repelling other magnetic substances.
- [Natural](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/natural): Natural refers to organisms, materials, or phenomena existing or produced by nature, not artificially created.

## Collections

- [Minerals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/minerals)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Lodestones are safe to handle but should be kept away from electronic devices.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Lodestone?

Compare crystal habit, luster, transparency, cleavage and surface texture. Minerals with different compositions can share almost the same color. Mineral Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### What colors can Lodestone be?

black, brownish-black

### How hard is Lodestone?

6

### What kind of luster does Lodestone have?

metallic to submetallic

### What is Lodestone's specific gravity?

5.18

### What crystal system does Lodestone belong to?

isometric

## More Mineral

- [Quartz Crystal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/quartz-crystal)
- [Amethyst](https://www.snappit.app/explore/amethyst)
- [Rose Quartz](https://www.snappit.app/explore/rose-quartz)
- [Citrine](https://www.snappit.app/explore/citrine)

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Source: [Lodestone: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/lodestone)